Vince Guaraldi Tribute Quintet
Featuring Jazz Pianist Larry Vuckovich
Pleasanton, Calif. Critically-acclaimed San Francisco-based jazz pianist, composer, bandleader and recording artist Larry Vuckovich brings his popular Vince Guaraldi Tribute Quintet to the Firehouse Arts Center stage on Sunday, February 21 at 2:00 p.m.
From his remarkable jazzy musical scores for the Peanuts cartoon animations, to the groundbreaking Jazz Mass at Grace Cathedral, and his legendary appearances at the Hungry i, the Trident, El Matador and the Monterey Jazz Festival, Vince Guaraldi was a phenomenon. And Larry Vuckovich was his only student.
As Guaraldi’s protégé, Larry had a close association with him until the end of Vince’s life, subbing for Vince, opening his shows, and then in 1973 becoming his piano partner for his two keyboard quintet, “Powder Keg.”
Ever charming and enthusiastic, Larry Vuckovich is a San Francisco treasure. This exceptional jazz pianist has performed all over the world in concert halls, jazz clubs, and festivals, and has committed his lifelong music career to cultivating jazz culture wherever he goes. Herb Caen often raved about Larry in his column. Former Mayor Gavin Newsom declared December 8, 2006 “Larry Vuckovich Day” for San Francisco on the occasion of Vuckovich’s 70th birthday.
“I think it’ll be really interesting for the music fans in Pleasanton to find out more about Vince and his wide-ranging talent which covered many aspects of jazz and music in general,” says Larry. “Vince was classically trained and wrote jazz pieces with a strong classical influence.” Plus, Larry will be sharing some “insider” stories about Vince’s contributions to the Bay Area and national music scenes.
In fact, the latest biography out on Vince, Vince Guaraldi at the Piano by Derrick Bang, (March 2012), features extensive interviews and insights from Larry.
Joining Larry in his quintet are: Josh Workman, guitar; John Santos, Latin percussion; Jeff Chambers, bass; Leon Joyce, drums.
Reserved seating tickets are $15 – $25. Tickets can be purchased online at www.firehousearts.org, by calling 925-931-4848, and in person at the Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Box Office hours are Wednesday – Friday 12:00 noon-6:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm, and two hours prior to the performance.
Of further interest to jazz fans: The Anatomy of Vince Guaraldi (2009, 116 minutes). The award-winning film, often through rare footage restored in high definition, explores (among other topics) how Vince’s classic song “Cast Your Fate To The Wind” crossed over from the jazz world to the pop charts, and influenced the next generation of American music. It includes intimate comments and original performances from some of America’s most celebrated cultural legends (Dave Brubeck, Dick Gregory, George Winston, Jon Hendricks, etc.).
The Firehouse Arts Center is dedicated to inspiring passion through the arts. The center is comprised of the 227-seat Firehouse Theater, the 2000 square foot Harrington Gallery, classrooms and rehearsal space, the grand atrium lobby, and the famous interior glass bridge. With world-class performing and visual arts, exciting interactive programs for all ages, and a state-of-the-art venue which opened in 2010, we combine the sophistication of the culturally rich Bay Area arts landscape with the hospitality and intimacy of our own home town. The Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton. Media: Jane Onojafe, jonojafe@cityofpleasantonca.gov, or 925-931-4855
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